Overlapping wafers of Polypropylene fused with photochromic dye. Polygons of paper stitched together, each with its own folded supporting 'paper beams.' Plastic, molded and vacuum-formed into lightweight, doubly-curved panels.
These are just a few elements of the extensive vocabulary of material components and fabrication techniques from international architecture and design practice Orproject.
Orproject is an architecture and design practice established in 2006 by Rajat Sodhi, Francesco Brenta, Christoph Klemmt and Haseb Zada with offices in New Delhi, London, Beijing, and Dubai. Their work explores advanced geometries with an ecologic agenda, the integration of natural elements into design resulting in an eco-narrative unfolding into three-dimensional spaces. Orproject's work has been published and exhibited widely, amongst others at the Venice Biennale 2016, London Architecture Festival, the Furniture Fair in Milan and at Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
First up in our conversation was Sahya, Orproject's newest installation, and exhibit, currently on show at the Palazzo Mora in Venice, as part of the prestigious Architecture Biennale di Venezia 2016 or Venice Biennale for Architecture 2016. The wave-like form, roughly 1.5 meters high and 3 meters long, is a self-supporting three-dimensional lattice of doubly-curved panels, made of ABS plastic. The lattice of panels acts as both a wall and roof system and controls light entering into the interior, while also directing the flow of wind into the structure.
Sahya is intended for large scale use–as a shading pavilion and a facade system–and stands out for its sustainable, lightweight, easily transportable and constructible qualities. For its current installation, its 200 curved panels were simply stacked and shipped to their current location.
Understanding the individual component–the doubly-curved plastic panel-became infinitely easy when Rajat showed me the sculpted, solid aluminum mold that the panels had been pressed onto, the curved wooden molds they were trimmed on, and the vacuum-forming process, via video. None of these tools or ingredients of the fabrication process appeared to be standard or often used by other designers. "We almost always work with new materials, materials which may not be available off the shelf," Rajat stated.
It was interesting to learn that much of Orproject's work was the result of coaxing and an extensive back and forth with material suppliers and fabricators. It became apparent that with each engagement, Orproject used a single, newly crafted or modified material as well as fresh and cutting-edge techniques of production and assembly.
Clearly, Orproject follows a method where its design team lays out the entire fabrication process for each component, before reaching out to fabricators and suppliers. This is useful in bringing them on board for what is, undoubtedly at first, an experiment.
Another interesting learning was the design intent behind each project that we discussed. Much of what one sees as the built outcome originates in Orproject's research into material systems, venation systems, and geometries that provide structural stability. Concepts such as cell division and cell growth, the physical manifestation of music in architecture, among others, then help dictate the form of the often tensile systems.
Speaking with Rajat, I also became better acquainted with the installation duo of Or1 and Or2, which were among my favorites from the Orproject camp. While the technique used to weave the individual propylene components was different in the two, the tree-like tension structures had one exquisite quality in common–their response to light. Both were steps in exploring the possibilities of photoreactive materials in the fields of furniture and design.
The small photochromic individual panels were the result of an amalgamation–conventional propylene with photo-sensitive dye-used, until then, only in the medical industry. The result was that the two installations responded to natural light during the day with different hues, before returning to a pristine white at night. Additionally, in the case of OR2, the pieces themselves were cold-bent to a slight curve, to accentuate the effect of light.
I was thinking about this elevation of materials, using diverse ingredients and techniques, when Rajat said: "We aren't just interested in what a material is, but what it can be when we bend it, curve it, mold it, or weave it– enhancing its structural capacity." That statement was validated even further when we talked about projects like Vana and Dynamorph (exhibited during the previous Venice Biennale for Architecture, 2014). Here, humble material like paper rose to the status of a structural component. From creating small folded beams to support the paper polygons, to understanding how light reacted with the thickness and starchiness of paper to spill different hues of light into space, the design team from Orproject delved into it all.
Vana by Orproject, as seen when it responds to light.
Vana by Orproject, as seen in the absence of light.
Another quality of Orproject's work that struck a chord with me was the efficiency and sustainability of materials–all resultant from the methods of fabrication.
In the case of Anisotropia, which is a physical manifestation of music, the wooden facade was made of strips of a bamboo lamella. The thin layers, stacked together and woven this way, were extremely strong and structurally stable. The alternate to achieve this stability would have been carving from a large chunk of wood- an immense wastage of material and a costly solution.
In the case of Sahya and other work using ABS plastic, all process molds, and even leftover panels can simply be crushed to their base, granulated form, and recycled one hundred percent.
Anisotropia at the China National Museum, Tian An Men, Beijing, is the physical manifestation of a frozen piece of music.
On a final note, it was incredibly fascinating to learn about how Orproject was pushing a single material to its limits in each installation–the one material, which acted as both skin and structure were rarely supported by any secondary material or framework.
At the end of my visit to the Orproject office, and conversation with Rajat, I left with a wealth of information, an in-depth understanding of Orproject's work and an expanded definition of the role that designers can play in determining materials and fabrication.
Strips of Bamboo lamella at Anisotropia at the China National Museum, Tian An Men, Beijing.


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"I am very happy for the supporters. This is the success we were looking forward to. Today we showed that my team has been the most consistent team this season," stated.
"Everybody worked very hard, especially the players. But the result was not in our favour. All the credit goes to the players," he maintained.


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Crisis-hit agriculture varsity plans 60pc cut in staff salary, pension
Zulfiqar Ali Published November 24, 2019
Hit by a serious financial crisis, the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, has decided that if the federal government doesn't give it a bailout package, it will cut the salaries and pension of its employees by 60 per cent next month. — Photo courtesy Agricultural University Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Facebook
PESHAWAR: Hit by a serious financial crisis, the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, has decided that if the federal government doesn't give it a bailout package, it will cut the salaries and pension of its employees by 60 per cent next month.
"The management is unable to pay full salary and pension to over 2,000 employees, including 500 retired employees, for November if the federal government doesn't make an immediate intervention," a senior administrator of the university told Dawn.
Established in 1981, the university is the pioneer institution in agricultural research in the province with 10,000 students enrolled in different faculties at present.
Sources said the decision regarding 60 per cent cut in pension and salary was made in a meeting few days ago.
The official said the university required Rs124 million for the payment of salaries and pension to the serving and retired employees every month in addition to millions of rupees for other recurring expenditure, including power bills and transport.
Looks to federal govt for immediate bailout package
"Cut in grants has already affected research and development activities in the university," he said, adding that the government has withheld the provision of annual supplementary grant for two years aggravating the university's financial woes.
Before the financial crisis emerged, the government paid Rs102 million supplementary grant to the university every year for the adjustment of losses.
"The Higher Education Commission and high education department, the administrative bodies at the central and provincial levels, are ignoring our financial crisis despite repeated requests and intimations," he said.
Like the UAP, the University of Peshawar, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan and other public sector universities are also on the brink of financial crisis due to up to 20 per cent cut in grant, record depreciation of Pakistani rupee against US dollar, high inflation, shortfall in revenue, and sharp increase in pension bills.
"The University of Peshawar is next in the line of crisis, while the Gomal University is already in hot water," said an official of the University of Peshawar.
He said the revenue shortfall and whopping pension bill were the major reasons for the financial bankruptcy of the institution.
"The University of Peshawar pays Rs1 billion only to its 1,600 retired employees every year that becomes a major liability," he said.
The employees of the University of Peshawar total around 2,900.
The official said the irony was that on one hand, the government announced 10-15pc increase in salaries and pension of employees every year but on the other, the federal government imposed more than 20 per cent cut in funds.
"Currently, the University of Peshawar is in deficit and the situation will be no different in other universities in the coming months because of the imbalance in income and expenditure," he said.
Senior officers and academicians blamed the mushroom growth of universities in the public sector for the prevailing financial crisis of the leading educational institutions in the province.
One official said the University of Peshawar's major source of revenue was over 100,000 students' fee of the affiliated degree colleges in the province.
"The university ran a deficit after the creation of new universities as degree colleges were affiliated with the nearest universities," he said.
The number of public sector universities in the province has reached 30 in the last two decades.
The officials said most universities were established on political grounds instead of the basis of need.
They said the universities had been made 'employment bureaus' not for the promotion of research and that hundreds of low-grade employees were recruited on political grounds.
Officials said though the government couldn't manage resources to pull the agriculture university out of financial crisis, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan announced the conversion of the agricultural research institute in Swat, his hometown, into the agriculture university.
"The slice of cake is the same but it has been divided into 30 pieces that generated financial crisis," said an official.
Information minister Shaukat Ali Yousafzai was not available for comments on the matter.
Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2019
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PAF training aircraft crash lands in KP's Mardan, pilots safe

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2015 World Championships still buzzing in Richmond
By Cycling News published 18 December 15
Comprehensive study reports $161 million in economic impact
Tiesj Benoot (Belgium) leading the peloton up Libby Hill where the crowds came out in force (Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Peloton stretched out on the Richmond city circuit (Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Davide Martinelli (Italy) was part of the breakaway but had a gear malfunction on the Libby Hill climb (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
The U23 men racing at the Richmond World Championships (Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
The 2015 UCI Road World Championships held in Richmond, Virginia, in September has been heralded as an overall success by the Mayor Dwight Jones for having an estimated $161 million impact on the city of Richmond and surrounding region. Richmond 2015, organizers of the event, released the economic impact report of the 10-day event in an announcement Friday.
Armitstead wins women's World Championship road race
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World championships cost Richmond $4.1 million
World Championships wins Best One-Day Race in 2015 Cyclingnews Reader Poll
"People all over the world have been buzzing about Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia since the world's best cyclists challenged for world titles. I congratulate Mayor Jones and all of the state, local and private sector partners who contributed to this world-class event that will benefit this region and this Commonwealth for many years to come," said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe in a press release from Richmond 2015 organisers.
The event cost organisers of Richmond 2015 a total of $23.2 million. The city of Richmond announced last month that it cost them $4.1 million from the first bid through the final race on expenses that included support operating, licensing, and other expenses exclusive to the 2015 Worlds, preparation of the course, promotion and merchandising, and police and emergency personel.
A comprehensive economic impact study, prepared by Chmura Economics & Analytics, not only pointed to the overall impact but also found that the 10-day event generated $3 million in tax revenue for local governments and $4.9 million for the state, and put total direct visitor spending at $74.6 million in Richmond, which had an estimated economic impact of $138.4 million.
"It is always a welcomed outcome when we not only meet our goals, but also exceed them," Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones said. "The nine days of racing gave us an opportunity to showcase all that is extraordinary about Richmond, and we know that the by product of all of our collective efforts generated millions of dollars of benefit to the City of Richmond and the region as a whole. And the ancillary benefits will continue for many years to come. My thanks and congratulations to everyone involved."
The study also tallied the number of spectators at an estimated 650,000 over the course of 10 days, and over 5,000 credentialed participants. Those spectators were from 34 US states and 29 countries.
"To put on an event of this magnitude takes tremendous cooperation, and our local governments, business community and residents rallied together to welcome the world to Richmond," said Tim Miller, COO of Richmond 2015, Inc. "We are thrilled that the World Championships exceeded our expectations."
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REVIEW: Cellist Arto Noras gives impassioned performance.
The Minnesota Orchestra had a special pipeline to Poland and its exploding musical culture during the 1960s and '70s, the years that Stanislaw Skrowaczewski served as the orchestra's music director.
The joke among the musicians was that Minneapolis heard the new works of the Polish avant-garde before they were heard in Warsaw. Not true, of course. Nonetheless, Skrowaczewski, who was born in Lwow, Poland (now in Ukraine), in 1923, knew the important Polish composers and their works intimately, and he programmed them often — Henryk Górecki, Witold Lutoslawski and especially Krzysztof Penderecki, with whom he formed a special bond.
In 1978 he conducted the premiere of Penderecki's Violin Concerto No. 1 with Isaac Stern as soloist, a work that marked the composer's break with his avant-garde past and his embrace of a kind of neo-Romanticism.
Given that much of this music is less often heard these days, Osmo Vänskä's programing of Penderecki's Cello Concerto No. 2 in the orchestra's concerts this week promised an event of considerable interest. The concerto, composed in 1982 — Penderecki himself conducted it here in 1989 — expands on the expressive Romantic vein initiated in the Violin Concerto while retaining some of the modernist techniques of the composer's earlier "sonority" pieces.
The performance Thursday morning at Orchestra Hall, energized by a brilliant reading of the solo part by the veteran Finnish cellist Arto Noras, confirmed the work's high standing. Structured in eight brief and varied sections that flow without pause, like a river of anguish, and intense — though often tender — lyricism, there can be no doubt that this is one of Penderecki's greatest works.
Where: Orchestra Hall, 11th and Nicollet Mall, Mpls.
Vänskä drew a performance of impressive depth and resonance from the orchestra, and Noras played throughout with passionate conviction and adroit technique, capturing succinctly the melancholy ache of the "Lento" section along with the fury of the final cadenza. The work ends with a wistful duet for cello and oboe and the sound of distant bells. The audience's standing ovation came as no surprise.
The mystery and foreboding in the opening chords of Beethoven's "Leonore" Overture No. 2, the curtain-raiser, seemed an apt setting for the larger Penderecki concerto that followed.
Vänskä closed after intermission with Brahms' Symphony No. 3. His relatively slow pacing of the first movement and his highlighting of often-obscured details diluted some of the music's natural flow. The remaining movements moved more easily.


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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review
2016 Hyundai Tucson - The Hyundai Tucson is much improved for 2016.
By: Dan Jedlicka
Prices: $22,700-$32,300
Much improved in most respects, the redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson puts its predecessors in the weeds.
The Tucson has been popular, partly because many vehicle buyers are opting for smaller SUVs and crossover vehicles instead of cars. But the new Tucson is far better equipped to compete with popular competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
The new Tucson is a compact four-door hatchback SUV that starts at $22,700 and goes to $31,300 for the top-line Limited all-wheel drive (AWD) model I tested. This new Hyundai comes with front-drive or AWD.
The base SE front-drive model has a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque and works with a six-speed automatic transmission. Eco, Sport and Limited models offer the new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,500 r.p.m. and holds through 4,500 r.p.m. for low-r.p.m. responsiveness and performance during everyday driving.
My test Tucson had the turbo engine. It works with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which offers good efficiency with quick, seamless shifting and helps provide brisk acceleration. Its responsive manual-shift feature is controlled by the console shifter.
Passing times of 65-75 m.p.h. are quick, at least with just a driver aboard, although the generally smooth, quiet engine gets rather loud under full-throttle acceleration. My test Tucson's engine loafed at 2,000 r.p.m. at 65 m.p.h.
Estimated fuel economy depends on the engine and drive setup. The economy figures can make you dizzy, ranging from 23-26 miles per gallon in the city and 31-33 on highways with front-drive. AWD lowers the figures to 21-25 city and 26-31 highway. My test Limited AWD's price sticker gave economy figures of 24 city and 28 highway.
Besides sportier styling with better aerodynamics, the new Tucson has a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase for better ride comfort and linear stability. It's width also has been increased more than one inch.
Some people judge a vehicle's quality by how a door sounds when closed. To encourage potential Tucson buyers, Hyundai has extensively refined the door latch mechanisms, with lower noise, pull resistance, internal friction and good closure damping.
Many important improvements have been made under the "skin." For instance, the chassis is more rigid, using more than 50 percent advanced high-strength steel, compared with 18 percent for the former model.There's also reduced noise levels and ride and handling improvements.
It takes a little extra effort to enter the Tucson, but occupants sit high for a good view of surroundings.
The deftly redesigned interior has easily read backlit gauges and a mixture of large and small controls that are clearly marked. The interior is markedly quieter, thanks to more use of sound insulation materials and improved aerodynamics.
My test Limited's power front seats offered good support in curves, and a thoughtful item is a stitched, soft-touch pad near the driver's right knee for more comfort during long commutes. Another nice touch is a large floor support for a driver's left foot during long drives.
An available full-length panoramic sunroof allows front/rear passengers skyward visibility, although my test Tucson's rear seats were only marginally comfortable. They reclined, but were rather firm and needed more thigh support.
At least there finally is decent room back there for two tall adults. A fold-down rear center armrest contains two cupholders.
The hatch's automatic open/close feature can be controlled by a dashboard button. Also, this "Smart Power Liftgate" lets a Tucson owner automatically open the hatch hands-free by just standing within a few feet of the hatch for a few seconds with the key fob in a pocket or purse. The hands-free tailgate is standard on Sport and Limited models.
The hatch opens to reveal a large cargo area, which can be greatly increased by folding the rear seatbacks forward.
The front console contains easily reached dual cupholders and a deep covered storage bin. Also, all doors have decent storage/beverage container pockets.
Worthwhile available options for some models include a lane departure warning system, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, backup warning sensors and automatic emergency braking.
The lane-change assist is particularly helpful because over-the-shoulder visibility for a driver is poor. At least the fold-in rearview mirrors are decently sized.
My test Tucson Limited had electronic stability and traction controls and electronic brake force distribution for its 4-wheel disc brakes. Those features and 45-series tires on 19-inch alloy wheels, along with a suspension enhanced for more precise handling, helped result in good roadability for a rather tall vehicle.
The motor-driven power steering was quick, but initially felt rather light in town. The brake pedal had a nice linear action.
The ride was smooth. Despite its sportier styling, the new Tucson is designed primarily for comfort and efficiency.
The AWD system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock that allows a differentiated torque split between front and rear wheels for off-road and extremely slippery road conditions. The system also reduces understeer and enhances cornering performance.
My Limited's standard items included these comfort and convenience features: push-button starter, leather-covered seats, power door locks and windows, dual automatic temperature control, heated side mirrors, tilt/telescopic wheel, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with rearview camera, AM/FM/MP3 premium audio system, blind-spot detection system with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist.
It even had a fairly large rear roof-mounted spoiler and twin bevel-cut chrome exhaust tips.
Safety features include front, front side and side curtain air bags and rollover sensors.
The 2016 Tucson arrives at just the right time to cash in on the growing compact SUV/crossover market.
Dan Jedlicka
Dan Jedlicka's Website
Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times--far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.'s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008.
Jedlicka remained auto editor at the Sun-Times until October, 2008, and continued writing for the newspaper's AutoTimes section, which he started in 1992, until February, 2009. While continuing his auto writings at the Sun-Times, he served as assistant financial editor of that newspaper from 1970 to 1973, when he began his automotive column.
He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC's "Today," ABC's "20/20" and "The CBS Evening News." He was a host, consultant and writer for Fox-TV Channel 32's 1991 New Car Preview show and that Chicago-based station's 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chicago Auto Show Previews.
Jedlicka's auto articles have been printed in national magazines, including Esquire and Harper's. His auto columns have been reprinted in U.S. government publications and economic textbooks and he is profiled in the "World's Greatest Auto Show" history book about the Chicago Auto Show. In late 1975, Jedlicka was host and technical advisor for three one-hour television specials, "Auto Test 76," which aired nationally on PBS and were the first nationally televised auto road test shows.
In 1995, Jedlicka was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois Inc.'s Consumer Education Award, given annually to a person who has gained distinction in the field of consumer education. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Media category and inducted into the Legends of Motorsports Guild at the Carquest World of wheels custom car show in Chicago in January, 2006.
Jedlicka was a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, composed of a select number of auto journalists from throughout the country, from 1995 until 2009. From 2010 to 2012, he was a member of Consumer Digest magazine's auto experts panel that gave Best Buy new vehicle recommendations.
He is a 1987 graduate of the Bob Bondurant Race Drivers School and later of the BMW "M" and Skip Barber Advanced Driving schools. He was a member of the U.S. team that participated in the 1987 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race/rally in Italy and has been a race winner at the Chicago area's Santa Fe Speedway.
Jedlicka has owned 25 classic cars, including 1950s and 1960s Ferraris and 1950s and 1960s Porsches, a 1965 Corvette, a 1967 Maserati and a 1957 Studebaker supercharged Golden Hawk. Jedlicka resides with his wife, Suzanne, in the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district of Oak Park. They have two children, James and Michele.
For more reviews from Dan, visit Facebook.
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Enjoy a 2 night stay at Blackstone Mountain Lodge, and experience the Rocky Mountains from the air during a twelve-minute flight for two, with our partners at Alpine Helicopters.
12-Minute Three Sister Peak Tour for 2 Adults with our partners at Alpine Helicopters.
Sunday through Thursday 2-night stay $239 per night.
Friday & Saturday 2-night stay $249 per night.
Sunday through Thursday 2-night stay $257 per night.
Friday & Saturday 2-night stay $267 per night.
Offer Valid for the following Stay Dates: October 8, 2018 - May 16, 2019.
Have the most action packed twelve minutes of your life! Get up close and personal with the world famous Three Sisters Peak. Reach out and touch them as you whisk by before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight travels along the Goat Range before following the pristine Bow River back to Canmore.


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Theater for Tots! See a Show at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
Marissa Mullen
Attending a live theater show can be a delightful experience. But even the most attentive kids start squirming in their seats after the first act. The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is the perfect experience for first-time theater goers. Short shows, colorful characters and plenty of audience interaction will have your little one completely captivated. Read on to learn about San Diego's very own puppet theater.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
The Theater's Story
The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is a Balboa Park staple. Its rich history dates back to 1947 when the theater held its first public performance, with Marie Hitchcock and her sister as the puppeteers. Marie delighted so many kids for decades with her puppet shows that the theater was eventually named after her.
The theater itself has a classic, endearing elegance. It's also air conditioned, which is a huge bonus – especially in the summer months! It offers cozy seating for more than 200 people. Parking is a breeze so take your time and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the park before you go in. No food is allowed inside the theater; so if you know your kiddos get hungry, pack a lunch or a snack and enjoy it on the grassy area out front prior to the show. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office, at the front of the theater.
Expect to see familiar fairy tales such as Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid. Original short story productions are also performed for variety. Depending on what show you decide to see, it may be a good idea to familiarize your kids with the story beforehand. Check the performance schedule to see which shows are geared towards preschool-aged theater-goers. You can also find out what kinds of puppets are featured in the show. For example, younger kids may be better off seeing a smaller show with hand puppets versus a large scale production show with life-sized puppets.
The puppet theater puts on a new show practically every week, so kids always have something new to see. The shows are performed by their own in-house puppeteers, both professional and amateur. Many of the stories are interactive and encourage audience participation. It's not unusual in these shows to hear kids making animal noises or stomping their feet! These puppeteers possess incredible skill through voicing the puppets, coordinating them and entertaining the audience. Much of the background scenery is created by the puppeteers themselves; even some of the puppets are handmade.
Puppet Show Perks
After the puppet show, many of the puppeteers will do a meet-and-greet with the kiddos. This is the perfect opportunity for little ones to see not only the puppet stars, but also the faces behind the "magic" and to learn more about what it takes to be a puppeteer. The theater also houses a small gift shop, filled with puppet treasures and everything kids need to create their own shows.
Make sure to sign up for Tico's Puppet Club. For a small fee, members receive two free visits and other perks, such as a finger puppet, birthday card, backstage tour, and more. Kids can also have their birthday party at the theater. Theater staff will provide a super fun puppet making workshop, and food can be delivered to the party area. The birthday guest of honor receives a crown and will be called up to the front of the theater for a special prize.
Puppet shows are 30 – 45 minutes long, and are performed Wednesday through Sunday for the cool price of $5. Kids age two and under are free. Try to sit in the first two rows for the best view! Booster seats can be found at the back of the theater for the little ones. Shows range from full stage marionette productions complete with music, lighting and scenery, to simple one man puppeteer shows.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
2130 Pan American Rd. (Balboa Park)
Online: balboaparkpuppets.com
Have you been to a show at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater? Tell us about it in the comments!
– Marissa Mullen
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Scientists find cellular mechanism for how the body regulates glucose transport
by UT Southwestern Medical Center
Senior author Dr. Richard Wang, Assistant Professor of Dermatology and a member of UT Southwestern's Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Credit: Courtesy of UT Southwestern Medical Center
UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists have gleaned a key cellular mechanism of how the body adjusts glucose levels, an important process that when abnormal can promote diabetes, cancer, and rare genetic diseases.
The researchers determined that an enzyme called Protein Kinase C (PKC) can regulate whether more or less glucose should be transported into cells, serving as a kind of thermostat to ensure that proper levels are maintained.
'Precisely controlling glucose transport is critical to health,' said senior author Dr. Richard Wang, assistant professor of dermatology and a member of UT Southwestern's Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. 'This process is defective in a variety of diseases including diabetes and cancer.'
Scientists have known how glucose is transported across cells, but had not previously understood in detail how the body controls the amount of glucose that is transported.
'Glucose transporter type 1, called GLUT1, transports glucose across the cell membrane of most cells in the body and is especially important in the uptake of glucose by the brain and blood vessels,' Wang explained. 'But how GLUT1 might quickly adjust the rate of uptake was not fully understood.'
The findings appear in the journal Molecular Cell. Researchers found that GLUT1 is modified by the addition of a phosphate group by the PKC enzyme. This addition, called phosphorylation, increases the amount of GLUT1 present in the cell membrane and thereby increases the rate of glucose transport.
The researchers further found that the regulation of GLUT1 by PKC was impaired in some patients with a genetic disease called GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome (G1D). Patients with G1D have seizures, movement disorders, speech disorders, and developmental delays as infants because insufficient glucose is transported to the brain.
'With our ongoing studies on the regulation of GLUT1 by phosphorylation, we hope to identify pathways that may improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including G1D, diabetes, and cancer,' said Wang, whose lab focus includes non-melanoma skin cancer, in which GLUT1 is highly expressed.
Low sugar uptake in brain appears to exacerbate Alzheimer's disease
Journal information: Molecular Cell
Provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center
Citation: Scientists find cellular mechanism for how the body regulates glucose transport (2015, June 9) retrieved 20 January 2021 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-06-scientists-cellular-mechanism-body-glucose.html
How brown fat fuels up to combat type 2 diabetes and obesity
Molecular mechanism for regulating blood sugar could enhance understanding of diabetes
How humans make up for an 'inborn' vitamin C deficiency
Colon cancer may yield to cellular sugar starvation
Medicinal oil reduces debilitating epileptic seizures associated with Glut 1 deficiency
Proteomic analysis reveals when and how which proteins are degraded in cancer cells by autophagy pathways


Eating and drinking these five things will help improve the appearance of your skin.
Most people's skincare routines feature several beauty products such as moisturisers and anti-aging creams.
While taking care of your skin on the outside is important, you also need to put a lot more thought into what's happening on the inside.
What you put in your mouth can improve the way your skin looks on the outside.
Eating healthy food can do amazing things for your skin.
Here are five things you should eat and drink more of for healthier skin.
Not only do kiwis look and taste good, but they also do wonders for your skin. Kiwi contains Vitamin E, which is a very powerful skin antioxidant that will keep your skin looking youthful. Kiwis are also known to protect your skin from the effects of the sun, help keep it rejuvenated, and fight acne!
If you want smoother skin, then you might want to try eating some yogurt. The breakfast staple contains proteins that help prevent wrinkles. But be sure to eat healthy varieties like Greek yogurt.
Drinking water has many benefits for your body, and without it you could suffer from dehydration, constipation, and other problems. Your body is roughly 60% water, so water is not only crucial for the functioning of your body, but it also does wonders for your skin. It can help improve your skin's elasticity, keep it hydrated, and give you an extra glow!
Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the DHA anti-inflammatory variety. They help prevent acne, which health experts say is caused by inflammation.
We saved the best for last! Chocolate has amazing skin benefits. But not just any chocolate - dark chocolate, especially ones with 70% cacao. Dark chocolate contains potent antioxidants that give you supple skin. It is also known to protect your skin from sun-induced damage.


Keeping Pennsylvania Growing means engaging the agricultural community and helping Pennsylvanians (and visitors) learn more about the state's number one industry. The staff of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center operates and maintains the 24 acre building in Harrisburg, and oversees the one-of-a-kind Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center is a rare facility that can house thousands of animals one week, and a craft show or car show the next. Under the guidance of the Farm Show Commission, this facility operates more than 80 events per year. In addition to its core agricultural events such as the All-American Dairy Show, the Keystone International Livestock Exposition, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the Complex is the perfect venue for trade shows, conferences, meetings and activities. With 1 million square feet under roof and 60 acres of parking, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center is also a vital part of the economic development of the greater Harrisburg area.
Each January the Complex hums as it shines a spotlight on the state's number one industry - agriculture. The largest indoor agricultural event in American, the Pennsylvania Farm Show has something for everyone - farmers, families and "foodies." Admission to the Pennsylvania Farm Show is free, and thousands of vendors, exhibitors and farm friends are waiting to help you learn about agriculture, connect with the hard working men and women who produce our food, and see in action the outstanding young people who are the future of our industry and our state. It's also a great place to grab and go for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as PA Preferred product abounds in the famous Food Court.


text:
Google Ups Ante In Voice Assistant Wars With Startup Investment Plan
As tech companies bet on AI assistant technology, Google announces an investment program for voice-powered startups.
[Photo: Flickr user Maurizio Pesce]
By Steven Melendez 2 minute Read
Google is putting its money where its mouth is with a plan to plow capital into startups that use its proprietary voice assistant technology, including ones building new skillsets for its Google Assistant platform and new hardware to host the digital assistants.
The strategy, announced Wednesday, aims to support startups with investment funds, guidance from Google staff, and marketing support through Google's existing channels. Companies can also receive early access to new Google tools and features, so they can build them into their products more quickly.
Edwin, a Bay Area company that's built a machine learning-powered English tutoring system that helps students pass the standardized Test of English as a Foreign Language, is among the first startups signed to the program. Right now, users can take Edwin courses through Facebook's Messenger, but the company says Google Assistant will soon be supported as well.
"Google Assistant combines a whole suite of advanced technologies into a robust platform well suited for practicing speaking," Edwin CEO Dmitry Stavisky wrote on Medium in announcing Google's investment. "In the future, Edwin's students will be able to practice speaking with Google Assistant. This will also make Edwin widely available on smartphones and Google Home devices, bringing our education technology closer to millions of people around the world."
Google's announcement comes as competition heats up among tech companies eager to find the next big platform, as the market for smartphones reaches its saturation point and consumers are getting more used to voice-powered AI assistants.
Google Assistant, Amazon's Alexa, Microsoft's Cortana and Apple's Siri are competing to be the spoken-word answer to the smartphone touchscreen, the Windows Start Menu and the living room TV remote, with the potential to speak to users from their kitchen counters, car dashboards, wristwatches and television sets.
"Voice is a totally different medium for consumers and for developers," said Ilya Gelfenbeyn, the newly announced head of Google Assistant Investments, in announcing support for Seattle voice app testing company Pulse Labs. "It is fundamentally changing how we interact with and access the information that shapes our lives."
So far, Amazon's Echo products hold the lead in smart speaker sales, with 71.9% of the market compared to 18.4% for Google, according to a March report by the industry news and analysis firm Voicebot. But at least hundreds of millions more users have access to Google Assistant and Siri through their Android and iOS devices, and to Cortana through machines running Windows, and the jury's still out as to what devices will prove most popular for speaking to smart audio assistants.
Google isn't the only big tech company investing in new computing platforms. Amazon previously announced the Alexa Fund, providing up to $100 million in investment in voice-powered technology. And Microsoft last month announced plans to invest $5 billion in internet-of-things technology over the next four years.
Among other companies winning investment from Google was Southern California-based GoMoment, which develops the AI-powered hotel concierge Ivy, that lets guests ask basic questions and make service requests without needing to speak to a human.
Not all the companies make products that are directly consumer-facing: Botsociety, a San Francisco company that offers tools to quickly design and test voice interfaces and text chatbots is also among the companies named by Google.
Pulse Labs, which connects the makers of voice-powered services with paid testers, also received support.
Interested companies can contact Google through an online form.
Steven Melendez is an independent journalist living in New Orleans.


A Thanksgiving floral design class for the beginner and novice. Students will make 3 designs in 5 hours; a traditional table centerpiece, a contemporary entryway design and a choice of a either a wreath or swag. Class includes a 1 hour break for lunch (not provided) – please bring your lunch with you!


The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Mounted and Canine Branch has received five canines from the U.S. Embassy as part of our continuing support for the security of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).
Chargé d'Affaires John W. McIntyre and Senior Superintendent Patsy Joseph, Head of the TTPS Mounted and Canine Branch, marked the arrival of the new canines in Arima, and signed a document acknowledging the handover.
The canines—together with their TTPS handlers—are trained in narcotics, firearms and explosives detection.


The Kauai Beach House Hostel is located at 4-1552 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 96746-1830.
a.) Take the Kauai Bus at either end of the airport adjacent to the baggage claim areas.
b.) Take the bus to Walmart about 1 mile away.
c.) At Walmart transfer to Bus #500 to Kapa'a.
Ask the Bus #500 driver to let you off at the Kapa'a Neighborhood Center. It is 2 doors past us and on the ocean as we are.
d.) After getting off the #500 Bus walk back 2 buildings to our old blue garage on the highway and go through our old blue garage with the mural of the lagoon painted on it and the large Hostel sign above the garage entry; go through the garage and out the back to our BBQ/Picnic Table area, and look for the GREETER.
Kojima Marketplace is across the street, as is Tamba Surf Shop, and #1 Chinese buffet restaurant, and a coffee wagon.
There are airport large rental car companies and also small independents.
Approximately $30 as of this writing. There is a taxi stand and taxi's at each end of the airport by the baggage carousels. Or ask an airport worker or greeter how to get a taxi. Tell the taxi driver you are going to the Kauai Beach House Hostel.
Sam's Oceanview Restaurant is next door on the airport side; and the Kapa'a Neighborhood Center is 2 doors past us. The latter 2 and us are right on the ocean right side of the road.
a. There is only the main road (Kuhio Hwy.) from the end of the road at the Ke'e lagoon in Haena to the hostel.
b. Stay on this main road through Hanalei town, up through the Princeville shopping center area, and on to Kilauea town, that's only a few miles more.
c. And then several (not that many) miles to Anahola, (there's a restaurant and store and post office on the left passing through tiny Anahola) on your way to the hostel.
d. Next is Kealia beach (4 more miles) and a mile more to the Kauai Beach House Hostel on the left.
e. If you are on the bus get off at Kojima Marketplace (with Tamba Surf Shop & Number 1 Chinese Restaurant. We are exactly across the street. Go into and through the big old garage with the Blue Lagoon mural and into the BBQ picnic area.
f. If you are driving go past our garage and turn into the next driveway that is Sam's Oceanview Restaurant, drive out the back and all free parking is there.
g. Come inside and check in and/or relax until you do check in. Go out the back by the soothing lagoon and ocean.


We believe entrepreneurship is about finding something you are passionate about and taking action to make the idea or concept a reality. Becoming an entrepreneur has many benefits including freedom, flexibility, and the ability to follow your dreams and do what you enjoy.
Do you feel like you are stuck in a 'rut'? If this is the case, starting your own business might be the first steps to get you onto the right track … and you can do it whilst still studying in college with support from your Entrepreneurship Coordinator.
'I felt so happy, free, and in control of my life. Yes, I was nervous at the start, now that I am my own boss, I can't wait to get up and start my day'.
There is so much to learn when you want to start your own business.
We offer Free Business support such as one-to-one bilingual business advice, start-up support, and free opportunities to test trade, links to other industries for growth, support and knowledge. We also link to business Wales and Big Ideas Wales.
So what are you waiting for? Take action, message Entrepreneurship Coordinator, Becky Pask and make your dreams a reality!


I had been living in Hanoi for three months teaching English when I saw some pictures on social media of large temples and stone archways nestled high in the mountains. It was tagged as the Perfume Pagoda (or Chua Huong and Huong Pagoda). I asked around my workplace but many of the other teachers had not been, many said that they had heard it was a beautiful place. I started to do some research, there was not a ton of information on the internet about it, so I decided it was something I had to see for myself. I knew that going on a big tour wasn't right for me so I connected with Inspitrip to get the ball rolling on this adventure!
I first heard about Inspitrip though a friend who wrote and been collaborating with them, I got in contact with my local insider through their website!
The morning of our trip David picked my boyfriend and me up from our home in Hanoi. We then started the drive out to the Huong Tich mountains. Along the way we chatted about life in Vietnam, David shared with us many different interesting facts about Vietnam, like some of the differences between societies in the north and south, their different attitudes towards jobs and living, and we shared information about our home countries too. He was extremely personable and friendly, the conversation flowed effortlessly!
David was a super friendly and knowledgable person. He shared lots of interesting stories about Perfume Pagoda history and Vietnamese culture. The conversations with him was always effortless.
About two hours and some heavy traffic later we made a short stop at a local fruit market. Here David explained to us what the different fruits were and helped buy us some. We opted for some Vietnamese plums, as my boyfriend and I both had never tried any. They were delicious but sour!!!
On the drive out of Hanoi we saw many different beautiful sights! I loved the expansive rice paddies and large towering mountains. We ran into a bit of traffic due to an accident but other than that, the ride was smooth and the car was very comfortable.
When we made it to the start of our tour it was very quiet, because of our early start we had beaten the crowds and large tour buses. We stopped and bought an umbrella and our boat tickets, then we were off. The three of us sat in the small little boat along with our rower and meandered down the river. David explained to us that the different women who row the passengers up to the base of the mountain are either very poor or have lost a family member in the war.
During the boat ride, we had chance to admire the epic natural scenes while listen to the emotional stories of females who do boat rowing for daily earnings.
Along the way, David told us interesting facts about the jungle and different legends that accompany them. He relayed questions to our rower and helped bridge the language barrier!
It's summer, so it's the lotus blooming time. I couldn't help myself picking one.
Because it was summer time there were tons of lotus flowers blooming on either side of the river. Although it was very hot, it was truly magical – all of the beautiful flowers and then the large jungled mountains. We felt very at peace, as it was quiet and there were no other boats around us. The sounds of the jungle were the only noise along with some light rain from time to time.
After around an hour, we docked the boat and had some lunch. The food was delicious but a tad pricey, but that is what we expected. I had a cold coconut which was amazing, just what was needed after being in the sun for so long.
Here there was a temple complex where many different pagodas were. David took us through the Thien Tru Pagodas explaining what each one was and answering all our questions along the way. They were stunning, the large gates and different shrines all were very old, you could feel the history!
The Tien Tru Pagoda complex was gorgeous, the architecture was a combination of Chinese and Vietnamese styles. We walked through each one quietly, taking in all of the different ornate decoration. There were different temples devoted to different beliefs. Overall it was a Buddhist complex but there was a pagoda dedicated to Vietnamese folk traditions as well. David explained to us why each pagoda has a foot high barrier at the doorway, this is because people believe that ghosts have no legs, therefore, cannot step over the barrier – thus keeping them out of the temple. They didn't allow photography on the inside, but the shrines were gilded with gold, and overflowing with fruit and flowers.
After wandering around the temple complex we made our way to the cable car and were hoisted up, up, and away. Cruising over the lush jungle, it looked as if there was an enormous green blanket draped over the peaks. Below you could see the pathway that people would take if they were walking up, little stalls lined the path, but with it being the low season none were open.
David explained that there is a huge religious festival that is held where people from all over Vietnam make a pilgrimage up to the cave. The Perfume Pagoda temple – also known as Chua Trong (meaning Inner Temple) is situated in a large cave.
Descending into the cave via many stairs.
After ten minutes, you step off the cable car and are welcomed by an astounding view. There are mountains as far as you can see. You then will descend into the cave via many stairs. We walked through the cave and the stalagmites and stalactites were astonishingly big. The whole cave was remarkable.
There was a series of different shrines where people paid their respects and gave offerings. The view looking out of the cave was just as beautiful. The tall jungle trees towered all around you and everything was incredibly green. After a good amount of time, we started our journey back.
On the way back we were starting to get a bit tired, so a little rest stop before getting on the cable car was necessary. We refuelled with some water and a snack at one of the stands near the cave, then we started to head back homeward.
The Perfume Pagoda really is a marvel deep within the mountains, definitely, worths a visit!
Our same rower was waiting for us at the bottom of the mountain, and we meandered down the river again. The sun was starting to go down, and we were only one of a few boats on the river. We reflected on all the new information that we learned, the Perfume Pagoda really is a marvel deep within the mountains. From the towering trees, forested jungle and peaceful rivers, this day trip was one we won't forget for a long time! If you have enough time it's most definitely worth a visit!
Written by Kelsey Lynn on 26th July 2017. The article is part of Inspitrip's local series in which we caught up with travellers and encouraged them to share their stories with our readers.
Click here for a complete detailed guideline for your next trip to Hanoi.


Divorces: Sherri Shepherd Is Kicking Hubby All The Way Curbside Because He's Not Bringing In The Bacon!!!
Poor thang! Sally's checks stopped coming in and now Sherri won't even speak to him!!!
Sherri Shepherd and her husband Lamar Sally are splitting up and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that their breakup is already incredibly nasty.
"He is giving her the blues," a source close to the situation told Radar about The View host's relationship with her estranged husband.
According to the source, Shepherd, 47, has been frustrated with Sally, 43, and his promises of having a successful career.
Another source told Radar that Sally has been working and sold a series to HBO that never made it to air.
This is the second marriage for Shepherd, who tied the knot with Sally in 2011 with her View co-host Elisabeth Hasselback as a bridesmaid, and the source said he has been a blessing to her young son.
However, the source told Radar this isn't enough for Shepherd.
Who else feels bad for Lamar? He's been taking care of Sherri's special needs kid all these years and she wants to kick him to the curb just cuz he's not making it rain as much as her.
Guess somebody lost a lil weight and thinks they can do better. Is she trippin?


Seller - 47+ items sold. 12.5% negative feedback. OK seller. eBay Money Back Guarantee: Get the item you ordered, or your money back!
47+ items sold. 12.5% negative feedback. OK seller. eBay Money Back Guarantee: Get the item you ordered, or your money back!